After a successful national series with Seth taking runner up in the (prolite) 250 production class it was time for the team to find a new recruit for the mighty Ninja.
A young lad who had impressed me from the first day i saw him take to the track on a TZ50 was Baillie Perriton from Ashburton. During the last streetstock champs during the Sth Is national rounds he had continued to impress me and took top three placings and almost took a maiden win.
So i offered the 2012/13 season ride to him.. and was delighted when he accepted.
So a few weeks ago at King of levels Rd 1 he rode the 250 for the first time. It was probebly the worst weather conditions to introduce yourself to a new bike. But he qualified well on the 2nd row of 43 bikes. Race one saw him get a good start and was 4th into T1..... only to lose the front on the exit and end his first race sitting on the tyres.......... He was one of 16 who crashed that day (a new record)
Race 2 saw him a little cautious but he soon settled down and was rewarded with a 3rd in 250 production class.
Race 3 saw him gain a little more momentum and take a 2nd in class.
Still a off the pace of leading in the huge development class, bikes such as Cameron Hudson and the Hoogies etc.. but a good end to a day that started badly.
RD 2 - This weekend.
A fine day saw the pace increase and he qualified on the 4th row.
Race 1 saw him start to pick off a few scalps.............. but Amy Ross decided to try the inside line at the right-hander before hairpin and clipped his rear wheel sending them both off into the grass. So another DNF... Baillie was getting a little dispondent about another DNF... but we had a chat and decided to put it behind us.
Race 2/3 saw him get quicker thoughout the day...a better qualifying would have seen him with some intense racing with the other 250s who were a row or two ahead..... but he had to battle through the hoards of RGs and quicker buckets.
But overall very pleased with his performance so far (he crashes much softer than seth!!!)
Yesterday also highlighted a few differences for him ... after riding a 2 stroke KR 150 he will have to adopt some new habits and styles to get the most from the 250 4 stroke. Not going to highlight the exact things but a couple of us who are trying to bring through young riders shared instances yesterday..which teaches you never to assume.. and never stop preaching the basics.
Next weekend is a track day at Ruapuna and he will be getting more valuable seat time (Seth has promised to come and be mentor for the day) Then we have a busy September with 3 rounds in 4 weekends. Hopefully he will be right up to speed by the end of that..and we are planning to bring him and others to Taupo for the final VMCC round in Oct, so they can have some time on track before the national round. Hampton Downs round of the Tri series is also on the cards.
Well done young fella...... we now know whats got to be done.... proud of you and glad to have you & Dad on board.
PS. Good to see Mihi Banks making the trip down to Levels.. see rode well and seemed to be having a great day.
See all you Nth Is at next round of Winter series... coming up to spectate and check the competion.
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Originally Posted by SWERVE
with the young riders down South, giving them the experience they need to better themselves with their Road Racing. I know that Mihi Banks thoroughly enjoyed her time down South on the 150 and competing against the South lsland Riders. It's great to see people like yourself as well Graeme Billington (Nth Island) passing on your knowledge and expertise to our future up & coming young Racers.
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